By Akbar Jamal
The true test of peace and stability in any society or country comes during times of difficulty and sensitive circumstances. Eid al-Adha is not merely a religious occasion; rather, it is also regarded as a major challenge at both the social and administrative levels.
The movement of millions of people, large gatherings in Eid prayer grounds and mosques, crowded livestock markets for sacrificial animals, and the widespread travel of people to recreational areas during the days of Eid are all factors that constitute a serious test for the administration and governing institutions of any country.
Praise be to Allah, this year the days of Eid al-Adha passed throughout Afghanistan in such an atmosphere of peace, prosperity, comfort, and happiness that no amount of praise seems sufficient to express gratitude for it. The fact that no major security incident or serious untoward event was reported from across the country indicates that Afghanistan is moving toward change and progress.
This calm and secure environment is neither a sudden miracle nor merely an occurrence of fate. Rather, behind it lie the sincere and genuine policies of Afghanistan’s Islamic system, as well as the tireless efforts of the security institutions, whose work has provided the people with a sense of confidence, reassurance, and safety.
At a time when the entire country was occupied with preparations for the festivities of Eid and people were sleeping peacefully in their homes, the security forces were safeguarding the nation’s security with full readiness on roads, at intersections, and along distant border areas. It was the result of their continuous efforts, vigilance, and sacrifices that ordinary citizens were able to perform their religious obligations without fear or anxiety, meet with relatives and friends, and celebrate the joys of Eid in an atmosphere of complete confidence and reassurance.
This situation serves as clear evidence of the fact that peace and security are not maintained through attractive slogans, speeches, or claims alone. Rather, they require practical measures, hard work, sacrifice, and sustained effort. There is also another important aspect to this picture. We all know that certain disruptive and malicious groups are constantly waiting for opportunities to undermine Afghanistan’s security, spread fear among the people, and turn their happiness into sorrow.
These blessed days of Eid could have provided a suitable target for such disruptive elements. However, they faced complete failure in all their malicious objectives and schemes. Through timely actions by the security institutions and the strong surveillance of the intelligence agencies, all enemy plans were thwarted and their objectives were crushed and reduced to dust.
This success once again reveals a great reality: when the people and the state of a country unite around the preservation of peace and stability, no disruptive force in the world can inflict harm upon them. The cooperation of the public and the coordination of state authority did not allow troublemakers any opportunity to gain a foothold.
Another beautiful and hopeful scene was also visible during these days of Eid. Thousands of people traveled to recreational areas with their friends and relatives, where life seemed to smile with happiness, tranquility, and renewed hope.
After long years of war and despair, this renewed sense of confidence among the Afghan people and their return to a normal way of life are clear evidence that people now desire peace, stability, and prosperity above all else. The strengthening of social ties and the growth of mutual understanding demonstrate that peace is the foundation upon which the edifice of progress, prosperity, and national unity can be built for any nation.
Now that these joy-filled days of Eid have come to an end in peace and safety, a heartfelt prayer naturally arises: may Allah Almighty continue to bless the land of Afghanistan with the gifts of peace, stability, and prosperity. May Allah protect the security forces and all those sincere servants who strive in the service of their country and people under His special care and protection. And may He keep this land forever safe from every form of discord, corruption, and the harm of malicious elements. Ameen.
